LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “ `He (Jesus) himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; `by his wounds you have been healed…’ ” (1 Peter 2:24, the Holy Bible).

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CONGRATS JOHN GABRIEL PELIAS: John Gabriel Pelias, the 19 year old boy who is graduating summa cum laude from the University of the Philippines this Sunday, 17 April 2011, is really a “wonder kid”, garnering 1.016 as his general average for his Bachelor of Science in Math degree. But this is not because of his own intelligence or the support given by UP professors alone.

I am sure that John meant well when he attributed his success in academics to the help of a former UP President and a host of other sympathetic teachers, as well as his passion for hard work and for Math, but he must not forget, amidst the blessings he is now enjoying, that God is the One who shapes the destinies of men everywhere.

“… remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you ability… If you ever forget the LORD your God… you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God,” the Bible, in its Deuteronomy 8:18-20 says.

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ARE THERE THINGS TO CROW ABOUT, ES OCHOA? Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.’s statement that things cannot really be changed overnight represents a sober realization that even if President Aquino got the biggest number of votes ever accorded to any presidential candidate here, that is not a guarantee that things can really change for the better or that his popularity will remain high as days go by.

Something more is needed, and this “something more” means actual, concrete, and fast results on the problems that have been hounding this country even before President Aquino became president. The only question here is: is the President producing enough “actual, concrete and fast results”?

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RIGHTEOUSNESS GIVES FABULOUS WEALTH: The story of King Solomon, the greatest king that ever lived, shows that there is a way to fabulous material prosperity beyond one’s wildest dreams even if wealth and riches are not actively sought.

In 1 Kings 3:1-15, we are told that God granted Solomon riches and glory never before given, and will not anymore be given, to anyone, even if the king did not ask for such riches and glory. How did this happen?

In a dream, God appeared to Solomon right after he was crowned king, and told him: “ask something and I will give it to you.” Solomon’s request: “…give me an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong..”

The Bible says this made God happy, and said: “Because you asked for understanding and intelligence, and not riches and glory or death for your enemies, I will give you intelligence yet unequalled and will never be equaled by anyone. But, I will also give you riches and glory never before, and never will again be, enjoyed by anyone.”